Josko Gvardiol, Savinho, John Stones, Manuel Akanji. (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City remain firmly involved in the Premier League title race, although the destiny of the trophy is no longer entirely in their control.
Pep Guardiola’s side need Arsenal to slip up while also producing a flawless finish to the campaign themselves if they are to reclaim the crown. Regardless of how the season ends, however, there is already a growing sense that this City squad will undergo another evolution in the summer.
The current side is still packed with quality, but it no longer carries the same aura of invincibility as Guardiola’s treble-winning machine from 2022/23.
Reinforcements are expected — yet securing the futures of key players is proving just as important.
City In Talks to Extend Gvardiol Contract
Manchester City are reportedly in discussions with Joško Gvardiol over a new long-term contract despite the defender currently recovering from a fractured tibia, according to Sky Sports.
The Croatia international — described as “important” by Pep Guardiola — has become one of the club’s most valued players since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023.
Although Gvardiol has been sidelined since January following surgery on the injury suffered against Chelsea, City remain determined to reward his impact with an improved deal that would extend beyond his current 2028 contract.
Before his setback, the 24-year-old had been one of the most consistent performers in Guardiola’s side, impressing both at centre-back and left-back with his composure in possession and trademark driving runs forward.
Across 120 appearances for the club, Gvardiol has already contributed 13 goals and 10 assists — impressive numbers for a defender — while cementing himself as one of the most versatile players in City’s squad.
In many ways, this move says everything about how highly City rate him internally. Injured or not, Guardiola and the club clearly see Gvardiol as a cornerstone of the next generation at the Etihad rather than simply another piece in the system.
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